2016 Conservation Project Listing

Here are the Conservation Projects we have planned for 2016:

1. Saturday, June 4 - Gil Trail Repair Completion, Cheesman Canyon
2. Tuesday, July 12 - Project Healing Waters, Crystal Lake
3. Saturday, July 23 - Horse Creek or Alma
4. Saturday, August 20 - Horse Creek
5. Saturday, September 17 - Clear Creek Clean Up
6. Saturday, October 8 - Horse Creek
7. Saturdays in October TBD - South Platte Park

If you're interested in attending one of the Projects or have questions about them, please contact George Franklin at 303.902.9827 or georgefr@aol.com or contact Jim Klug at 303.953.8046 or at jjklug1@comcast.net.

Ask BLM to support a balanced solution for the Roan Plateau!

One year ago, Colorado TU and other conservation interests reached a settlement with the Bureau of Land Management and energy companies on the long-standing dispute over natural gas development on the Roan Plateau.  The Plateau is home to rare native cutthroat trout populations, strong mule deer herds - and significant energy reserves.  The settlement agreement embodied a balanced approach, with leases canceled (and the holders reimbursed) for sensitive habitats including all native trout watersheds while leases were retained and planned for responsible development on less sensitive lands.  It was a deal that worked for sportsmen, conservationists and the energy industry: you can learn more by reading our blog post here and by reading an op-ed piece penned by representatives CTU and Bill Barrett Corporation.While the BLM was part of the settlement, and did follow through on cancelling and refunding the leases on prime habitats atop the Roan, last year they were not able to commit to a longer-term solution for the Roan that will allow responsible development to proceed while not issuing any new leases on those more sensitive lands of greatest concern to hunters and anglers.  Now, the BLM is completing their new Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Roan and we need them to finish the job we started last year and formally adopt the settlement alternative.

You can help by signing our petition to BLM Director Neil Kornze, asking him to support this balanced solution for the Roan and to use similar approaches in planning for other high-value habitats like South Park.

The Roan settlement was a "win-win" solution that achieved a balanced approach to conservation and energy development. It lays out a pathway for responsible energy development on appropriate lands, while not drilling on sensitive lands that are, as Secretary of the Interior Jewell put it, "too special to develop."  But the job isn't done until the settlement terms are incorporated by BLM into its final management plan.  By signing our petition, you add your voice to those calling on BLM to embrace this balanced solution for the Roan.  And you can join us in encouraging BLM to bring a similar thoughtful approach to planning for other high-value lands like those in South Park, so that responsible energy development can proceed while avoiding impacts to our most treasured lands and waterways.The Roan Settlement is a great example of what we can accomplish when differing interests sit down and engage in respectful dialogue and negotiation. We can have both responsible energy development and conservation of our fish and wildlife heritage - indeed, we should expect nothing less.  Please join us in asking BLM to finish the job in adopting this balanced solution for one of Colorado's iconic places and for the native trout and wildlife that call it home.Sincerely,David NickumColorado TU Executive Director

The Outdoors column you won't be reading in The Denver Post

From: Scott Willoughby [mailto:swilloughby@denverpost.com]Sent: Friday, August 21, 2015 5:40 PMTo: scottrwilloughby@gmail.comSubject: The Outdoors column you won't be reading in The Denver PostAs some of you already know, today was my last day at The Denver Post. I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to "The Voice of the Rocky Mountain West" as an Outdoors writer, photographer and columnist for the past 20 years, joining the full-time staff to launch the Outdoor Extremes section before graduating to Outdoors Editor for the last 11 of those.I'll be taking some time to celebrate the birth of our daughter next month before wading into the job market as a free agent. Those who would like to keep in touch can find me via email atscottrwilloughby@gmail.com. My cell phone remains the same (970-390-3676).There's not much left to say that isn't included in the farewell column (below) that my editor opted not to print, except to reiterate my heartfelt thanks for the opportunity and your enthusiastic support.It's been a good run, although the work is never done. Here's to the next chapter. 

By Scott WilloughbyThe best stories have always originated in the outdoors.Be it the fireside tale that never grows old no matter how many times it’s told, or a modern classic born of the latest adventure, the wild outside has always offered the ideal backdrop for compelling drama.Like the rest of the world, the genre has evolved over time, taking us beyond the campfire to the Ted Trueblood era of Field & Stream, establishing local newspaper legends like Charlie Meyers, Bob Saile and Ed Dentry before making its way to the cutting edge of social media and contemporary brands like Yeti Coolers that urge through advertising: Be the guy with the story about the bear.Along the way, it found folks like you and me: Drawn in by nature’s allure, hooked by the sensations of adventure, dedicated to enriching and sharing the experience so that others might come to understand our collective passion for the outdoors and embrace it as their own. The stories are the things that connect us best to the land, the water, the wildlife and one another.There will always be a place for compelling outdoor stories and storytelling in Colorado, just no longer here on these pages. Or perhaps just no longer here by me.As of this week, The Denver Post has decided to do away with its traditional Outdoors pages, and by extension, my position as Outdoors writer, photographer and columnist. I’ve been invited to continue writing stories about Rams, Buffaloes and Falcons, but like those college sports mascots, the gesture feels symbolic at best. In all likelihood, this is the final column, outdoors or otherwise, I’ll be asked to write for The Denver Post.Among those outside the paper already aware of this decision, the disappointment has been universal. The pervading sense of loss has less to do with me personally than to Colorado’s collective outdoors community as an entity. In the absence of an uprising — and likely even in its presence — the voice of that community expressed for so long on these pages will soon fade to black. So many stories are left untold.It can be easily argued that these stories of wild places and the people drawn to them are more important now than ever. As our sprawling world grows ever more crowded, battle lines drawn over resources in greater demand, such places offer respite and reward that can’t be found or recreated anywhere else. And they require the voices of those who know and love them best to keep the fire lit.My ambition is to continue down this path, although where it leads is anyone’s guess right now. After two decades dedicated to the cause of Colorado outdoors, the mission and message remain as compelling as ever. It’s the job I was born to do (and yes, I am open to offers).First though, my heartfelt thanks are due for the opportunity I’ve had to do the job I’ve most aspired toward. While there is much more to achieve, for a time, at least, I could lay claim to the best job in Colorado.But like the campfire that gave birth to so many stories and outdoor traditions, this chapter is about to go up in smoke. I have no doubt the fire has not gone out, however. The flame will reignite and grow. The stories — maybe even some told by me — will linger. And new ones will emerge.The void is great. But the tale is never-ending.-30---Scott WilloughbyOutdoors Editor (former)970-390-3676New email: scottrwilloughby@gmail.comFind me on FacebookTwitter: @swilloughby

CUSP Thank You Note to CCTU

We received a very nice postcard from CUSP (see attached) thanking CCTU and all the volunteers who helped out on the Gill Trail restoration days.CCTU-Thank-You-from-CUSP_08-01-15Additionally, many thanks to those who volunteered for our Gill Trail Restoration project with CUSP. A special thanks to George Franklin who led the efforts for the last three workdays and Jerry Shin who volunteered for all four of the workdays. Deckers is a healthier stream as a result of our efforts.

New Clean Water Act Rules

The EPA and Corps of Engineers recognized that headwaters and their feeder streams need protecting and issued new Clean Water Act rules. You can check out CTU’s press release on the new Clean Water Rules here and read a recent Denver Post Op-ed about the ruling. 

South Platte Project Postponed until August

Due to record flows on the South Platte in the area of the scheduled project in South Platte Park, the event did not occur.  We will arrange for a date in August. Please stay tuned for more information.Join CCTU and other local volunteers on June 20th to enhance the South Platte River Project.This has been a major restoration project sponsored by South Suburban Parks and Recreation. Come see the incredible augmentations to our South Platte River. Key changes have been made between C470 and Reynold’s Landing to improve our local jewel, turning it into a real trout fishery.Following completion of the major machinery work and planting, we’re looking for volunteers to improve river access, remove deadwood, and other hands on dirty work. You will enjoy a presentation by South Suburban on the scope of this project. Following our work and a complementary lunch, enjoy fishing the river! For questions and sign up, contact Allen Adinoff (ad.adinoff@coloradoallergy.com).CCTU wishes to acknowledge the generous support of Orvis Park Meadows for this project. In addition, Orvis will provide “$25 off a $50”purchase coupons to anyone who participates as a volunteer for the project

2015 Project Listing: Conservation, Restoration and Education

Gil Trail Repair- Leader: Jim Long. We need many able-bodied volunteers for this project.

• Saturday, May 30th
• Friday, June 19th
• Friday, July 24th
• Friday July 31st

South Platte Park Project- Leaders: John Arron and Allen Adinoff

• Saturday, June 20th

Crystal Lake with Project Healing Waters- Leader: Rich Pilatzke

• Wednesday, July 8th

Clear Creek Cleanup- Leaders: Ray Carney and Jim Klug

• Saturday, September 19th

Boomer Mine Reclamation- Leader: Rich Pilatzke

• Saturday September 26th

Email cutthroattu@gmail.com to inquire and sign up! 

POSTPONED: June 20th for South Platte River Park Enhancement Project

Due to record flows on the South Platte in the area of the scheduled project in South Platte Park, the event will not occur on June 20th.  We will arrange for a date later this summer.  Thank you to those who signed up and were ready to participate.Join CCTU and other local volunteers on June 20th to enhance the South Platte River Project.This has been a major restoration project sponsored by South Suburban Parks and Recreation. Come see the incredible augmentations to our South Platte River. Key changes have been made between C470 and Reynold’s Landing to improve our local jewel, turning it into a real trout fishery.Following completion of the major machinery work and planting, we’re looking for volunteers to improve river access, remove deadwood, and other hands on dirty work. You will enjoy a presentation by South Suburban on the scope of this project. Following our work and a complementary lunch, enjoy fishing the river! For questions and sign up, contact Allen Adinoff (ad.adinoff@coloradoallergy.com).CCTU wishes to acknowledge the generous support of Orvis Park Meadows for this project. In addition, Orvis will provide “$25 off a $50”purchase coupons to anyone who participates as a volunteer for the project

Recent Articles of Interest

Here are a couple of articles we thought were worthy of sharing.The first is an article from 2015 The High Line water policy review, a quarterly publication of the High Line Canal Preservation Association.  It’s a great review of many important issues regarding Colorado water policy.The second is an essay by Scott Willoughby that appeared in the Denver Post on Sunday.  Anyone interested in preserving public lands for outdoorsmen should become aware of the efforts by a “radicalized contingent of elected officials in the West”.Allen

State of Colorado TU 2015 Video

Check out this video put together by CTU Past President, Rick Matsumoto (on his iPhone, no less!) about the accomplishments of TU, CTU, and local state chapters in 2015. It's a little on the long side but it's because it's so thorough. Check it out!https://youtu.be/Krn7xWSG9OU